Ark. lawmaker proposes rewriting school choice law

Democratic Sen. Joyce Elliott on Wednesday proposed revising the state's school choice law and establishing a new system for the state to consider student transfers between districts.

Associated Press

A Little Rock lawmaker has filed a competing proposal to rewrite a state law on student transfers that was struck down by a federal judge last year.

Democratic Sen. Joyce Elliott on Wednesday proposed revising the state's school choice law and establishing a new system for the state to consider student transfers between districts. A judge last year struck down the 1989 law, saying race could not be the only factor considered in deciding whether students could transfer between districts.

Elliott's proposal would allow districts to request an exemption from the school choice law if officials believe it would lead to segregation.

Republican Sen. Johnny Key last week filed a measure that would allow students to transfer — unless they're in a district that has a pending desegregation court order.